The Superfood Benefits of Ingesting Raw Cannabis

What would you say if I told you weed is the new kale? That’s right! It turns out that the sweet leaf is one of the most nutrition-packed superfoods we’ve encountered. It seems there is so much more to love about cannabis than it’s heat-induced, psychoactive properties. While raw cannabis won’t get you high, it will provide you with a plethora of nutritional benefits that will make a huge impact on your overall health. In fact, new studies even claim that consuming raw cannabis may cure more ailments than any other method of consumption, such as fibromyalgia, bowel cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases.

So Why Raw Cannabis?

You’ve probably heard about CBD and THC, but have you heard of their precursors, THCa and CBDa? They are what’s known as cannabinoid acids and are the substances from which THC and CBD are derived upon heating. This heating process, decarboxylation, “activates” the raw cannabinoid acids in order to produce psychoactive THC and cannabinoid CBD.

While both THC and CBD have their strengths, the body can only handle these activated chemicals in small doses, wasting what it cannot process

On the other hand, raw THCa and CBDa can be processed in extremely large doses and are processed by our metabolism to create necessary nutrients. These nutrients help the cells within our bodies communicate better and help balance and regulate the endocannabinoid system. In fact, CBDa and THCa show greater anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and anti-ischemic properties than their degraded counterparts, THC and CBD.

But that’s not all…..

Raw cannabis is an antioxidant powerhouse! Antioxidants are the foot soldiers of the war on aging. Antioxidants prevent cell damage and protect the body from stress that causes accelerated aging. In fact, the antioxidant and neuroprotective powers of CBD are so incredible that the US Federal Government patented it in 2003.

Their research showed that CBD was a more powerful antioxidant than both vitamin C and vitamin E

Consuming raw cannabis means your body receives the maximum amount of these benefits by delivering them in the form of CBDa which your body can absorb in far greater quantities than CBD.

But wait, there’s more….

Just as must leafy greens do, cannabis leaves are loaded with necessary nutrients for good health. They have significant amounts of folate, iron, calcium, vitamin C, and vitamin K- nutrients that are essential for repairing DNA, moving oxygen through the blood, creating strong bones, boosting the immune system, and even promoting blood clotting and calcium absorption! Consuming raw cannabis can even protect against cancer! It should be noted though that in order to get the most nutritious goodness from raw cannabis, you should consume it with a fat to increase the bioavailability.

Order now and we’ll throw in……

Raw cannabis is a protein-rich food with the perfect ratio of omega 3 to omega 6 fatty acids- fatty acids which our bodies do not produce, but are necessary to protect against neurodegenerative diseases and maintain balance in the endocannabinoid system. But fatty acids aren’t the only VIP raw cannabis brings to the table! There are also essential amino acids to consider! Amino acids help repair damaged cells, transport nutrients, and maintain cell structure and much like essential fatty acids, we must derive these from dietary sources, such as raw cannabis.

Last but not least…..

Terpenes are the unsung hero’s of the cannabis party, especially when consumed raw since heat can actually destroy some of the readily available terpenes cannabis has to offer. Terpenes are the oils that give marijuana and other plants, their unique scents. They have a plethora of medicinal uses on their own, but, when combined with cannabinoids such as those found in cannabis, their benefits are amplified. Some of the most notable terpenes cannabis offers are:

So, how do you consume raw cannabis?

According to Dr. William Courntney, juicing is an excellent option, as is adding a few fan leaves to your next salad. Some great foods to pair it with include blueberries, watermelon, cucumber, kale, apples, carrots, and lemon. Here are just a few smoothie recipes to get you started. Simply combine all the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

So, what are you waiting for? With so many benefits to be gained, adding a shot of raw cannabis to your day seems like a no brainer, right? Move over kale, weed is having it’s moment in the sun. It’s time to go green and watch the health benefits take root!

The Superfood Benefits of Ingesting Raw Cannabis was last modified: September 7th, 2018 by Amber Faust

Amber Faust is a freelance writer and editor who specializes in natural lifestyle pieces and sociopolitical commentary. Amber is a lifelong activist for social justice and environmental issues. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, painting, drumming, meditation, and yoga.